Breast augmentation (or enlargement) is generally performed on women with underdeveloped breasts or on women who have experienced a decrease in breast size or shape due to pregnancy or weight loss. The surgery consists of lifting the breast tissue and placing an envelope containing a soft, natural-feeling implant material underneath.
 
Although several implants are available at the present time, the implant which is used most often for augmentation purposes, is made of a silicone shell, and filled with a saline solution. Under certain conditions, silicone gel implants can be used, but these are mostly used for revision surgery. There are a variety of implant designs, all of which have advantages and disadvantages. Drs. Dellinger and Bodjanac will discuss the choice of implant, reasons for the selection, and will review with you the size changes that are possible with the procedure.

How is Breast Augmentation Performed?
Several different methods are used for placement of the implants. An incision can be made in the crease of the lower part of the breast, along the lower half of the dark skin around the nipple or in the armpit. All of these methods are designed to result in minimal scarring so that the incisions are not easily detected. After the incision is made, the implant is carefully inserted either under the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle. The implants are then adjusted to ideal size and symmetry before the incision is sutured closed.

Keeping You Comfortable:
A surgical dressing is usually placed to protect the incisions. Some swelling, bruising and minor discomfort may be experienced for several days after the surgery. Discomfort can be easily controlled with pain medication.

How Will I Look After Surgery?
You will be required to wear a supportive bra. You will be advised as to when you may resume normal activity. After healing, your breast augmentation should add pleasing dimensions to your overall proportion and symmetry.

What Are the Risks?
Complications (as with any other surgical procedure) can happen in breast augmentation surgery. We recommend you read the specific complications outlined in the Food and Drug Administration pamphlet. To obtain this free pamphlet, contact the F.D.A. Consumer Information Line at 1.888.INFO.FDA (1.888.463.6332.) The Food and Drug Administration website can be found at www.fda.gov More information on the safety of silicone breast implants can be found at www.nap.edu/catalog/9618.html

These surgical procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, in the hospital, or in an ambulatory suite under either general or local anesthesia. This information is only intended as an introduction to this procedure. It should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed and should not be construed to guarantee the result.